On the evening of January 30, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality jointly hosted the 2026 Spring Festival Reception for Foreign Journalists in China at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre. Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei attended and addressed the event. Deputy Director General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee in charge of daily work Zhao Weidong, and Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality Huang Yihua, among others, were present.

Hong Lei extended Spring Festival greetings for the Year of the Horse to foreign journalists in China. He noted that 2025 was an extraordinary year, marked by accelerating changes on a scale unseen in a century, a turbulent and intertwined international situation, and more prominent global challenges. Human society has once again come to another critical crossroads. China remains steadfast in its conviction of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and firmly stands on the right side of history. China provides certainty to the world through its own stability, offers new opportunities for the world through its opening up, and promotes the cause of human peace, development and progress through its responsibility. 2026 is the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period. China will remain resolute in breaking new ground for national rejuvenation and writing a new chapter for the well-being of humanity. China will continue to champion peace, promote cooperation, adapt to changes, uphold justice, and make greater contributions to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Hong Lei stated that foreign journalists serve as a bridge connecting China and the world, playing an important role in facilitating communication between China and the outside world. He expressed the hope that journalists will maintain an objective and impartial perspective and provide in-depth and professional reporting to tell the world the stories of Chinese modernization, as well as stories of mutually beneficial cooperation, common development, and a shared future between China and other countries around the world, playing a positive role in promoting friendly and cooperative relations between China and the rest of the world.

The reception venue was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, brimming with joy. About 700 people attended the reception, including foreign journalists in China and their families, press attachés at foreign embassies in China, spokespersons from relevant ministries, domestic experts and scholars, and media representatives.

After the reception, guests from various countries enjoyed the Year of Horse Concert together.